2011 Premier’s Cup Nominations & Weight

The Group 3 Premier’s Cup has attracted 22 nominations for this Saturday May 28th at Doomben Racecourse.

There are 16 positions up for grabs in the final field and they will come fairly close to reaching that capacity despite many of the three year olds doubling up nominations with the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes as well.

Equal first on the ballot entry are two internationally bred horses in Fanjura and Rainbow Styling.

Both have been given a 58kg top weight which is 5kg more than the least handicapped runners.

Despite recording very good results already throughout their careers they will have to be on top of their game because the Premier’s Cup field is incredibly strong.

Equal third on the ballot is Mr Clangtastic for Les Bridge Femina Fashion for Trevor Whittington and also Tinseltown for Michael Moroney.

Tinseltown hasn’t run since the Sydney Cup where he was involved in a race fall with Hawk Island around the home turn.

Both horses escaped without injury but it will be interesting to see how he handles the return to the track.

The bets form guide for this race is undoubtedly the Chairman’s Handicap held at Doomben on BTC Cup Day.

The event was won by Humma for Robert Heathcote in a surprise result after starting as a $21 chance.

He narrowly edged out Michael Moroney’s Viking Hero which overcome a bad barrier to nearly get there on the line.

Third in that event was Count Encosta but only just ahead of Femina Fashion with those top four horses separated by just half a length.

In fact the majority of the field featured in that lead up event with around five lengths between the winner and 14th place.

Shuffle The Cash was 1.4 lengths away in seventh, Rainbow Styling 3.4 lengths back in eighth, Raeburn finished 11th, Little Stranger 12th, Warrior Within 13th, Streets Away 14th and the most disappointing run of the day, Saint Encosta more than 10 lengths away in last position.

As you can see the Chairman’s Handicap is a vital form guide for punters and one of the many areas you need to examine before betting on the Premier’s Cup.

Another crucial aspect will be tomorrow’s barrier draw as you get the feeling Viking Hero could have the edge if he draws inside Humma.

Later in the week we’ll also post a full form guide that breaks down their recent runs and takes into consideration the extra distance and new details in the Premier’s Cup.

Remember that Luxbet odds will be up later in the week and that’s the only place you can guarantee yourself the best odds week in and week out on Aussie horse racing.